Identifying the Inertial Properties of a Padel Racket: An Experimental Maneuverability Proposal

Area of Science:

• Sports Engineering
• Physics of Sports Equipment

Background:

• Moment of inertia is a key property of padel rackets, influencing performance and player preference.
• Manufacturers currently do not provide moment of inertia data, hindering standardized comparisons.
• Existing inertia testing methods are complex or not standardized for sports equipment.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop a standardized method for determining the moment of inertia of padel rackets around various axes.
• To create a user-friendly system for measuring and calculating inertial properties.
• To introduce a novel 'maneuverability parameter' for classifying padel rackets.

Main Methods:

• Utilizing the natural frequency of a pendulum, dependent on moment of inertia, to measure racket inertia.
• Designing and implementing two distinct test stands: a trifilar pendulum and a swing pendulum.
• Employing acceleration sensors to capture oscillation frequencies and a user-friendly interface for data processing.
• Developing a calibration model to ensure sensor accuracy and estimating precision through error analysis and repeatability testing.

Main Results:

• A reliable method for measuring the moment of inertia of padel rackets was established.
• A new 'maneuverability parameter' was developed based on the measured inertial properties.
• A database of various padel rackets' main properties was created using the developed method.
• User testing indicated a correlation between the scientific classification and players' subjective feelings of maneuverability.

Conclusions:

• The developed pendulum-based method provides a standardized approach to quantify padel racket inertia.
• The proposed maneuverability parameter offers a comprehensible classification system for players.
• This research bridges the gap between objective physical properties and subjective player experience in padel.